State Dept suspends review into 'top secret' Clinton emails

WASHINGTON - The State Department has suspended its internal review into whether former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton or her top aides mishandled emails containing information now deemed "top secret."

Spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said Friday the department had paused the review to avoid complicating or impeding an ongoing FBI investigation into Clinton's use of a private server while she was America's top diplomat. She said the review would remain "on hold" pending completion of the FBI probe. The review could result in counseling, warnings or other action if findings show information was mishandled.

The review began after the department classified 22 emails as "top secret." None of the emails was marked classified when sent.

An FBI spokesman did not immediately respond to request for comment in a phone call from the AP.